STORYSTORM 2018 Day 8: Annie Silvestro Mindlessly Multi-Tasks

I really need an idea… for the first sentence of this blog post. Help me, Storystorm!

Just kidding! Storystorm isn’t about first-sentence-of-blog-post ideas, it’s about Picture Book ideas. Hopefully 30 sparkling new ones, ready to be made into stories. It’s about taking the time to let your mind wander, reflect, and yes, about having the discipline to write down any sparks that may come to mind during that time. Because let’s face it, those sparks often disappear as soon as they arrive.

But how to get those elusive ideas? I find that, being a serial multi-tasker, it’s very hard for me to just sit and think. I’m too fidgety. I’m checking my phone or Twitter or email. My brain can’t relax because I’m always worrying about other things I could or should be doing. So sometimes I have to trick my own brain—or compartmentalize it—so I can let its creative side shine.

My creative brain often flourishes when my functional brain is engaged in something mindless. I think this is why, like many, I get good ideas when I’m in the shower.

What are some other good ways to be mindlessly creative?

One of my favorite ways to generate ideas is when I’m baking. My functional brain can follow a recipe and measure ingredients, while my creative brain can really let loose. The sounds and scents of baking enhance the process, too. And when I’m done, I hopefully not only have some ideas sorted out, I also have something more tangible and tasty to show for my time.

Another useful way to let the creative brain drift is by taking a nice long hike. I live near a number of forest trails and the critters that inevitably scurry past as I walk have inspired more than one story idea.

I also enjoy letting ideas percolate over a good puzzle. Having the time to do jigsaw puzzles is a rare treat, but if I look at it as a time to be creative, I don’t feel so guilty having fun. I see Picture Books as puzzles, too, with elements that all need to fit together seamlessly—character, conflict, tension, humor, heart, language, a satisfying ending—to name a few.

You can get ideas while folding laundry, driving your kids to school, emptying the dishwasher, or just by sitting in a chair with a hot cup of tea, if that works for you. It doesn’t matter how. What does matter, and why Storystorm is so important, is that you get into the habit of coming up with ideas.

Once the brain is in the habit, the ideas tend to keep on coming. Sure, they might not all be great, or even good (PorcupOctopus, anyone?), and they won’t all be made into stories. Heck, I’ll be lucky if this year even one of my Storystorm ideas turns into a manuscript. But that habit, that discipline, builds the idea muscle in your brain. It’s an author’s most important tool.

So get in the habit. Flex that muscle. Storystorm the heck out of January and beyond. You’ll be so happy you did.

Annie Silvestro is a lover of books who reads and writes as much as possible and can often be found shuffling piles of them around so she has a place to sit or someplace to put her teacup. She is the author of Bunny’s Book Club, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss (Doubleday), and Mice Skating, illustrated by Teagan White (Sterling). Forthcoming books include The Christmas Tree Who Loved Trains, illustrated by Paola Zakimi (HarperCollins Fall 2018) and Bunny’s Book Club Goes to School, illustrated by Tatjana Mai-Wyss (Doubleday, Summer 2019). Annie lives with her family by the beach in New Jersey. Visit Annie online at AnnieSilvestro.com or on Twitter and Instagram @anniesilvestro.

Annie is giving away a copy of BUNNY’S BOOK CLUB and MICE SKATING.

Leave ONE COMMENT on this blog post to enter. You are eligible to win if you are a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once below. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.

I have some of my best ideas while driving the Kid to her sporting events. I just tell her to pick up the notebook I keep in the car and I dictate the idea to her.
Love how your creative mind works even while you are doing other things.

Sometimes I’ll be so deep in the creative zone while mindlessly driving to work I’ll end up in the parking lot not knowing exactly how I got there. 🙂 Also, I loved Mice Skating and I’m reserving Bunny’s Book Club as soon as I finish this comment! Thanks for the great post and giveaway prizes, Annie!

I love that Annie incorporates life experiences as part of the creative process. These suggestions encourage writers to do life things like chores with a new perspective. It might make cleaning the kitchen floors less torturous. Thank you!

Oh yes, you just described me. A serial multi-tasker who needs multiple things going at once. I’m trying to reform a bit but not completely. I usually have ideas pop up while I’m knitting. Always have post-its nearby! Thanks for sharing.

The best kind of idea generator for me is a long drive. I commute from PA to MD for a job. That’s about 3 1/2 hour to and back every week. I need to do this drive, no getting around it, but I found that I have many ideas each time I make the drive. 🤷‍♀️ Multi tasking?

I love this idea of giving yourself permission to step back from actively generating idea and let them show up uninvited. I was just reading about Daniel Pink’s new book that talks about how the period of time when we’re most sluggish is actually when we are most creative. Thanks for the post!

Thanks for the advice. I love your books. I agree, multi-tasking is a good time to tap into our creativity. It feels mindless, but I know the juices are flowing and it’s a matter of time an idea will float up. I always have pen and paper.

laundry, baking, walking – all great because we stop “working” on getting those ideas and just let the brain wander. This is why I schedule 10-minute “do something” breaks every hour or so. Not only do I get laundry folded (or into the washer), but I usually come up with an idea. Turning compost is another great way to generate ideas…

You are absolutely right. You can find the titles and concepts for picture books in the least expected places…..like the doctor’s office. Last week, I had an appointment and the Dr. was talking about his new puppy and he called her by her nickname….I added it to my Storystorm list. 🙂

Thanks so much for the advice. I’m probably one of the few who have this problem but when I’m trying to focus on the content of a post I find animated GIFS very distracting. May I suggest that posters limit the GIFs to one at the beginning of the post so your good advice doesn’t get lost.

I’m with you, Annie. I do a lot of brainstorming while doing mindless chores. . . Such as cleaning my mare’ s stall. There’s something about scooping and flinging horsey poo into a wheel barrow that sparks ideas for me. 🙄 Could it be the clatter of the frozen stuff? Or the gentle thud when its not? 😝 Either way, it exercises my back and shoulder ones, AND idea ones, too.😃THANKS for the inspiration and encouragement today. Congratulations on your upcoming books!

I’m interested in the idea of finding story ideas becoming a habit. I think I have let my story-generator get a little rusty. I’m really hoping that story-storm begins to get that generator tuned up!
Not sure about the baking multi-tasking, though! I’ve ruined a few cakes that way!

I love to bake but hate folding laundry- but if it inspires PB ideas then I’m willing to give it a go! 🙂 I am often internally nagged by things that need to get done around the house when I try sit to write. Shifting my focus to being mindful of ideas during the necessary “evils” might just be what I need! Thank you for the advice and the post Annie & Tara.

I agree and use many of the methods you have mentioned. It’s so hard to quiet down that busy part of the brain and let the ideas shine through. But it definitely get easier with practice. Thank you for the encouraging words.

Yay…a fellow puzzler! I, too, use my puzzle-working time to relax into my thoughts and ideas. I can get out of my own way and let my brain just go where it may. I often work through manuscript issues this way too.

Yes, yes! I am a day-dreamer. So 2 years ago I stopped listening to music during my longer runs and would let my mind wander…not necessarily to generate ideas but to work out plot or character issues. But I’ll try it for idea generating to. Off to fold laundry and generate ideas. Thanks!

Thanks, Annie! It sounds like we think a bit along the same lines. I too need to either cook or take long walks to help spur my creativity. As you said, the functional part of our brain just takes over which allows the creativity to flow. Absorbing all the sounds, sights, smells and even touch helps quell the desire to go go go. Take time to smell the coffee as they say.

I am one of those mindless multitaskers. I do a lot when I am not do much. I like to think when I am driving (which can be dangerous at times LOL) or on a walk. I have a couple of mindless games on my computer and iPad that I can play but don’t have to think.
I read once how Einstein took a job as a patent clerk because it required little thought and allowed him to just think.
It looks like we keep good company!

I relate to this, as I’m sure many do. My phone is full of random tidbits I’ve been inspired with while driving, and I’ve written down quickly at a stop light lest I forget them. The kitchen has its own pad for ideas that spring up there. Turn on country music and I’ll work out a romance scene. Note pads all over the house!

Sounds like my brain! I especially liked this comparison: “I see Picture Books as puzzles, too, with elements that all need to fit together seamlessly—character, conflict, tension, humor, heart, language, a satisfying ending—to name a few.”

Thank you Annie – fun and delicious motivators! Thanks too, for timely reminder that the creative process of coming up with story ideas is a muscle that needs regular exercise – perhaps while we’re exercising off some of our baked goodies?! 🙂

Staring off into space AND performing mindless tasks are perfect ways to let your imagine go wild. I once got a really good idea while sitting on the back of the motorcycle (my husband drives, so this gives me tons of talking to myself time). Actually, I’ve learned that I need to pack paper and a pen in a pocket. Other drivers often see me hunched behind his back, holding on to my pen and paper as the wind tries to steal them away, jotting down ideas. Motorcycle trips, that’s my best mindless task. Thanks Annie!

This post is so relatable. My mind rarely wanders creatively, and if I do just take time to “be still” usually it empties out completely. Your solution is good- I think of as “intentional wandering” where I do something fidgety but simple, like hiking or baking, but let my mind explore more creative things. Also, a cup of tea (earl grey, hot) is apparently a requirement for my writing mind. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement!

I could weep with how much you understand. I’m a middle school librarian, have four teens, two pets…and oh yeah a spouse. I love to write but am a SESRIAL multi-tasker!!! Thank goodness for snow days. Thank you for this post. It’s more comforting that I can possibly put into words.
MWAH!

Hi Annie, I love all the suggestions about how to let our mind relax so the creative brain can flow! It’s those automatic activities we don’t have to think about, such as showers, that let ideas happen. It has to do with theta brain waves. I read it somewhere. My best ideas are when I’m out in nature. Love your books!

I totally relate to everything in this post. My brain is often multi-tasking too. I would LOVE to do jigasaw puzzles — thanks for the permission! I often do much mulling while loading the dishwasher and sorting laundry!

When I take the time to just sit and watch something happening outside or in a store, not the dash in get it and dash out, I come up with more ideas. I love the 7 minute brainstorm with older manuscript ideas, too.

I am the same way. I find crocheting is a good way for me to think of ideas while doing something else. I work in a library so sometimes ideas come to me when shelving (especially if I am shelving cool titles!). Thanks for the ideas!

Thanks, Annie, and congratulations on forth-coming Christmas book. Sometimes, staying in my robe a bit longer at the computer helps, but not this morning. Yikes. But I’ve checked off several to-do items and have no excuse that prevents me from spending time with my story character. My jeans and sweatshirt await.

Love and miss you, Annie Girl!! I find baking very therapeutic, so I’ll have to try “listening” to my crazy brain while I cream butter and sugar! (ok, it’s January — I’ll dig out the low-fat recipes!!) And January is my birthday month — so I believe i might smell a cake idea rising…

Now I know why my best ideas come in the shower–when I can’t write them down! By the time I get out, I’ve usually forgotten them. GRRRR! Thanks for the great post from one fidgeter to another! Susan Swan

I LOVE that you just gave me permission to do jigsaw puzzles and not feel guilty about it. But seriously, I do need more “let my mind wander” activities in my life. I love to hike as well, but not in January in Michigan. Puzzles it is! Thanks, Annie! (Mice Skating is adorable btw <3)

Anne, Storystorm the heck out of January and beyond!! Love that line! Channeling my inner Buzz Lighyear to blast off into 2018!
I got all teary-eyed reading Bunny’s Book Club. You captured, in Bunny ( and friends), the love of a library I had as a child and still have! At age nine, my mom took me to our public library for the first time. I felt I had entered a magical land. I grew up on a farm with 12 brothers and sisters; needless to say, books were a luxury. Thank you for bringing that wonderous feeling I had for the first time walking into that library back again to my heart!❤️

Annie I think we are kindred spriits! I always get ideas when I’m vacuuming or doing dishes (you’d think my house was spotless!) And I’m working on a particularly hard jig-saw puzzle right now and I “gave up” on it the other night. I think I’ll get it back out and see what ideas it has waiting for me. Thanks for a great post!

Annie, thanks for sharing that writing and ideas are reflections and interactions of our busy brain in a busy world. Mindfulness, time, and percolating on an idea is the process, the wonderful creative process.

I get antsy when I sit down to think but some of my more mindless tasks like walking the treadmill, folding laundry, cleaning cause my mind to wander to other tasks that need doing. My imagination hides under a HUGE pile. It tend top come out best in the shower. My most creative thinking is often wrinkled like a prune.

I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t have paper when I thought of an idea, and then later thought, now what was that idea? I tend now to carry a little pad in my purse so that doesn’t happen anymore.

Putting on my thinking cap and see where it leads. Great to remember that even one good idea during Storystorm that morphs into a sale is more than you would have had not being a part of this awesome month.

Annie, thanks for reminding me of the reasons I sometimes take a walk in nature and listen to and watch things around me. I get new ideas. I’ll have to remember this when I do laundry this afternoon too. Loved your post!

I see what you mean about getting in the habit of coming up with ideas. We can train ourselves! Folding laundry and mopping the floor now look like two missed opportunities this morning. Time to get out the vacuum.

Your brain works like mine. With countless task to contend with on a daily basis, my my often wanders into the land of creative. I get constantly pummeled with thoughts, like: How can I tweak that character; or what special twist would work in this story… Thank you. T

Thank you for helping me realize that whatever way ideas pop into my mind is a-okay. That there’s no right way to brainstorm! But rather, that the opportunities for brainstorming abound, provided I’m mindful about it. Thanks!

Thanks for the post Annie! I agree with you. With my young children running around and the plethora of tasks and errands always on my mind it’s hard to let my creative side shine. I do find comfort in those still quiet moments. So thank you for the reminder!

Yes! Knitting works for me. And, of course, those good ideas come in the shower . . . my husband got me a waterproof notepad and pencil that stick to the shower wall with suction cups! Of course, I haven’t had any brilliant shower ideas since! Ha!

I’m glad to learn that I can “trick” my busy brain into creating while I’m doing another task. I’ve done it while driving, sometimes wondering how I arrived so quickly. Folding laundry will be more manageable! Thank you!

This is such a great reminder since we so often hear that we need B.I.C. time, which we do. But we also need guiltless mind-wandering time while driving, vacuuming, washing dishes, etc. to formulate ideas into picture book puzzles! Thank you for articulating that!

I love the thought that idea generating is a muscle. I agree! Flexing my muscles and having lots of fun. Thanks for the post. I’ll reframe my mental state while doing endless dishes to prepare for an idea blizzard. 🙂

This is so true!! I got not only a good idea for a story, but also the idea to actually become a serious children’s book author while on a 2-hour flight during which, due to the lack of Internet, I had nothing to do but eat and stare out of the window!

This is my third try. I read you post just before I turned my TV on this am. While watching Touched by an Angel my mind started wandering. I began to realize that my thoughts could be turned into an anthology piece. I thought I would jot the thoughts down my mind was working on a children’s book idea and I think I found it. Two for the price of one. Thanks for the post. It not only got me an idea or two, but got me moving right away.

Now, this was interesting, my mind is always on fast track and it makes it hard for me to get to sleep a lot of times. I can see something and my mind goes crazy with ideas and possibilities. I know how you feel Annie. I agree you do have to trick your mind sometimes to get your creativity flowing or peaked. Thank you for your insight.

Thanks for sharing this lovely post. My favorite quote is how you use this technique to “build idea muscles in your brain.” Makes sense. And I know now that when those ideas come forth, I need to stop right then and write it/them down.

Thank you Annie! I also need to”trick my brain” to get to my creative side. I just watched a vision board webinar about this very thing. Looking forward to playing more, taking more hikes and completing some puzzles this year! Thank you!!

This is my third try. I read you post just before I turned my TV on this am. While watching Touched by an Angel, my mind started wandering. I began to realize that my thoughts could be turned into an anthology piece that’s due January 10. I thought I would jot the thoughts down. While doing that my mind started working on a children’s book idea and I think I found it. Two for the price of one. Thanks for the post. It not only got me an idea or two, but got me moving right away.

Thanks Annie for the permission to knit more! I do my best thinking, planning and plotting while knitting socks. Not glamorous, but functional and cozy once done – so I’m picking up my needles and putting on my thinking cap. 🙂

Thanks for your insight. I find my best ideas happen inthemiddle of th night when I am sleeping. I keep a notebook next to my bed and jot down ideas. It’s the only time my brain isn’t a runaway train. Maybe I have ADD? LOL

thanks for the encouragement, and the puzzle idea! often a run or long walk outside, or even driving, works to get my mind moving. Then I need to stop and find something to write on, or memorize my ideas/words, but it definitely helps to be away from screens, family, and “things to do.”

The majority of my ideas come from the kindergarten kids I help read. They always want to know “Why?” or “How come?”, and it’s amazing how many times they’ve said something that makes me say, “I wonder . . . .” Thanks for sharing other ways I can help the ideas roll through my brain.

Oh my gosh – I too can’t sit and think without worrying about what I could or should be doing. I too have to move piles to find a place to set my cup of tea (though I’m trying to change that). This was helpful and encouraging. Thank you!

Yes, my brain is most creative when it’s not trying to be – walking, driving, showering and when I should be sleeping! And thanks to StoryStorm, I’m making a habit of writing those ideas down before they disappear.

I am often mindlessly creative when I am playing Words with Friends online, or when I am reading a good book. I almost always have either a piece of paper and a pen handy, or I have Word opened on my computer. Either way, when a thought comes my way, I can record it before it gets away.

Sitting and percolating are HUGE stumbling blocks for me! I had last week off and came up with tons of ideas. First day back to work and I am just now sitting down to think. I did however get a story idea as I read to my children this evening about how superhero’s are created by the must “mundane” events. Maybe that’s how writers are made too?

“Storystorm the heck out of January!” Okay, Annie! I just love MICE SKATING. I found an adorable mouse to give along with the book to a little Lucy I know! I love the cheese word plays you came up with. It’s a beautiful book. Thanks for keeping the idea momentum going with this post.

Thanks for your post. It can also be a way to divert your attention while working through difficult decisions in life. While at a doctor’s appointment today about my daughter’s cancer diagnosis, I couldn’t help but think about the doctor as a character for a children’s book. I actually wrote it down in my list of “one amazing thing” that happened to me today.

Thank you for an informative post. “My creative brain often flourishes when my functional brain is engaged in something mindless” resonated very strongly with me. Like you, I often think about manuscripts in progress and get great ideas for them while hiking in the woods or doing housework.

Hi Annie! Great idea to get your functional brain involved with something (and with some baked goods ready to go as a reward)- I will need to try this more! Looking forward to Bunny’s Book Club Goes to School!

As a mom with a full-time job, multi-tasking is essential. Fortunately, being around my daughter and my students gives me lots of ideas. I’ve found, though, that it’s better if I don’t let my mind wander when I’m baking! I look forward to reading Mice Skating–it looks adorable.

Why IS the shower such an idea/thought generating area. I let my mind wander other places. Maybe none as much as there. But I think it is really because there’s no easy way to write things down. I really have to invest in bath crayons! But I look forward on making sure I let my mind wander more often. Thanks for the inspiration!

Cookies – especially sugar cookies which require decorating – and weeding the garden are great “mindless” tasks for me. I like the way you think about puzzles. I’ll pull that out next time I feel the urge to do one! 🙂

Your post reminded me of my school bus driving days in hilly Virginia many years ago. They had to put a wooden block on the clutch, so I could reach it. I took that job, so I could take my daughter to work with me, but it wound up being a surprising route to new story ideas. Somehow, sitting at traffic lights, waiting outside schools to pick up students, etc., became the best time for me to think creatively. I hadn’t thought about those days in a long time. Thanks for your post, Annie!

Staring out the window at backyard wildlife is one of my favorite mindless tasks. Funny how “mindless” and “mindfulness” mean the same thing, in the context of creativity: getting away from our writing minds to fully engage in a moment of just doing just what I’m doing.

Finally an excuse to do more jigsaw puzzles! And if anyone judges, I’ll just holler, “Hey, I’m working!” Sure I could get ideas working on dishes or laundry, but puzzles are so much more fun. Thank you, Annie. I love your work.

Sometimes I find that my best ideas for solving problems in manuscripts come during sleep or that brief period when I’m not quite awake and not quite asleep. That just goes to show how hard the brain works even during its “break”.

Lovin’ the giveaway AND the post, Annie 😀 ❤ I agree! Doing the mundane allows the brain to roam free should you CHOOSE to go down that road instead of worrying or thinking about SO many other things. Daily chores can be "Creativity" Chores instead 😀

Thank you, Annie! I agree I often get ideas when I’m doing some other easy task. This morning I had an idea during breakfast. “Oh, great idea!” Only I didn’t write it down, and now I can remember it : ( GRRR! You’d think I’d have learned that lesson by now! If I can, I bake some banana bread tomorrow! Banana bread is good for the brain, I hear.

I love this! This is so helpful and true. Doing anything like felting, knitting, or even trying to untangle necklaces that got stuck together in your jewelry box (that last one comes from experience!) gets the creativity going. Thank you for your insightful and inspiring blog post!

Annie, your encouragement to get in the habit of writing really hits the nail on the head. When writing becomes a part of your routine, your brain actually prepares for it and you go into that mood that opens the door to your creativity so that you can best use your time. For years I have used my drive times for that purpose. Lots of ideas have come along those roads! Thank you for the good post!

I used to get my best ideas while driving or in the shower. I have noticed when there is too much clutter in life, the ideas get real quiet. Having down-time to be creative or just relax is so important. If you build it, the ideas will come!

Yes! Sometimes my creative brain feels too much pressure to perform. Using my functional brain takes the pressure off and gives that side a task, so the creative side can feel comfortable tossing out ideas. Thanks for the post!

I really like grabbing my camera and wandering out to see what is then placed before me…yesterday, as I was driving along a back road, an enormous bald eagle came tumbling across the road after some small prey…it missed and ended up stomping up and down in a field of corn stalks screeching and kvetching, completely like an undone toddler! It was hilarious and majestic in its “outrage.”

Thanks for the inspiration Annie! I need that reminder, and permission to allow creativity flow while doing other more functional tasks. There certainly are a lot of opportunities for that. I have a bad habit of wanting music or T.V. on in the background when I’m doing those things but I’m going to start tuning into story ideas instead. Like anything else you want to accomplish, you have to make it a habit.

Yes, yes, yes! My creative brain only seems to function with my functional brain is checked out. About 99% of my ideas come while I’m walking my dog or in the shower. Thanks for sharing more ways to be “mindlessly creative,” Annie!

I find gardening a great time, especially when weeding, to let my creative mind wander. Also when I’m waiting for my kids at karate class, swimming, Scouts, basketball, football, soccer… I keep a notebook on me.

We have a lot in common, Annie! Two of my productive ways to come up with ideas are to take a shower or go for a walk. A drive in the car is always helpful, too, but I have to remember to WRITE IT DOWN!

I was a bit overwhelmed when I realized I was a few days behind on Storystorm posts, but I’m so glad I took the time to read this one! I often do many of the same activities you suggested when my writer’s brain needs a break, but I never thought to use those mindless tasks as a time for generating new ideas. Thank you!

I am glad to know I am not the only one who gets ideas in the shower. On occasion I stop and scribble idea. I get ideas while walking so I sometimes keep a small pencil in my pocket to scribble. Even driving — the red light is my great point to put a word or two down. So back of receipts, napkins carry a lot of my ideas.😄. I keep a small notebook in my car. Thanks Annie!!

Some of my best ideas come when I am the passenger in a car. Our creative minds seem to have a life of their own. When we are doing mindless things, the creative mind takes over. Thanks for an inspiring post.

This article spoke to me on so many levels. I struggle with keeping my mind on the task of writing. I find walking the dog helps me think of stories, but then I need to have time after to write them down.

There seems to be a magic intersection between physical activity and creative brainstorming. Maybe the repetitive rhythm of being active in a relaxed format (walking, showering, gardening, emptying the dishwasher, working on a puzzle) gives us brain battery juice. I like the elliptical too for juicing my body and brain. Thank you Annie!

So true, Annie! I tend to get ideas when I’m out running or in the shower. And the bright side of our broken dishwasher – (ugh!) – is that hand-washing dishes is a great time to come up with ideas, as well! Thanks for the great post!

Yes sometimes ideas come at the most unexpected time. Looking out the car window while waiting for hubby to finish work. People watching, bird watching etc…. or simply taking a shower. Which seems to be often right now as we are in the middle of a heat-wave. lol.